Young Writers
So, you’re only fifteen and you have finished a book.
THAT’S AWESOME!
I didn’t. I wish I had.
There’s no reason you can’t sell it. You are not under any obligation to tell anyone your age when submitting your novel. None. If someone buys your novel, then you will probably need a parent to co-sign your contract.
If you tell people your age, they will likely use that as an excuse. It’s easier to tell someone that they are too young rather than their work isn’t good enough. If someone tells you that you’re too young, that’s what they are telling you. The work isn’t ready. That’s fine. Make more.
Other than that, everything else about publishing applies to you. Be professional.
If your goal is to become a full-time writer, keep writing. That’s the main thing. If you want advice about what to do after high school, I’ll give you some ideas, but remember, there’s no one path to becoming a writer other than writing.
Many writers I know went to law school. They felt they should have a stable job. Well, one thing I have heard about law school is that it forces you to write. Lots of boring papers. But you learn to hit deadlines.
I’d avoid that. Sounds like too much work to me. Personally, I’d avoid most ‘writing’ college programs, too. Those tend to be geared toward literary writing. They’ll teach you to overthink, overedit. Don’t do that. That’s not commercial fiction. But, if that’s your thing, go for it.
I’ve heard people recommend majoring in Philosophy or History. Those are both good. They sound interesting to me. Ok, History doesn’t.
I’m a computer geek. I learned computers because I like computers. I can’t imagine not knowing computers. I spend too much time with computers.
What ever you do, get a degree. Having a college degree will make your life easier regardless of becoming a writer.
Do that and travel. Figure out how. Don’t be trapped in a location.
I don’t know. Have fun. Live. Write. Good luck!
